LANSING – A comprehensive plan by State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) to update the state's milk laws was signed into law today, increasing Michigan's consumer protections and ensuring that the state's crucial milk industry can remain competitive.
"These changes will help our dairy farmers sell more products and reach new markets, which is essential as we work to create jobs and stimulate our Thumb economy," Espinoza said. "Enacting these clear safety standards assures Michigan families and consumers and companies all around the world that they can buy our milk with confidence. B bringing our regulations up to date, we are protecting Michigan's status as a leader in the dairy industry and laying the groundwork for even more economic growth."
Michigan has about 2,500 dairy farms and plants that process milk or milk products. In 2006, Michigan ranked 7th nationally in milk production, generating almost $1 billion in farm sales from the production of 7.5 billion pounds of milk. Almost one-third of that was sold outside of Michigan.
Espinoza's plan focuses on updating pasteurization rules and equipment testing methods. Michigan now follows federal rules passed in 2001. Adopting standards used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will protect consumers and preserve the Michigan milk industry's interstate commerce.
Espinoza's plan also:
- Clarifies licensing requirements and ends duplication when a facility is licensed under food law.
- Requires new and remodeled milk processing plants to include protection from contamination by nearby animal production facilities.
- Prohibits products, such as those past the sell-by date, from being reused.
"This new plan benefits consumers, workers and the milk industry as a whole," Espinoza said. "The milk industry contributes $5.1 billion a year to Michigan's economy, and I am very pleased to have worked alongside our dairy farmers to come up with a plan of action that will move this vital enterprise forward."